Home Insurance in South Carolina: 2026 Rates & Guide

South Carolina is a mid-range state for home insurance. The average homeowner pays $175/month ($2100/year). Here's how to find the best rate for your home.

Avg Monthly

$175

Avg Annual

$2100

Cost Rank

#13

1=priciest

Cheapest/mo

$138

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Cheapest Home Insurance Companies in South Carolina (2026)

Rates below are estimates for a $300,000 home with $100,000 personal property coverage and a $1,000 deductible.

Top home insurers in South Carolina — sorted by average monthly rate

#CompanyEst. MonthlyRating
1
★ BestState Farm
$138/mo4.5Get Quote
2
Allstate
$155/mo4Get Quote
3
Nationwide
$148/mo4.3Get Quote
4
USAA
$122/mo4.9Get Quote

Rates are estimates for a 35-year-old with good credit and a clean record. Your rate will vary.

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Natural Disaster Risk in South Carolina

Risk Level: High — hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding

Standard HO-3 policies cover wind damage but exclude flood and earthquake. Separate policies may be needed depending on your location within South Carolina.

Coverage Requirements

No state minimum — lenders require replacement cost coverage

South Carolina Home Insurance Requirements

  • No mandatory home insurance law in South Carolina
  • SC Wind and Hail Underwriting Association covers coastal properties
  • Flood insurance strongly recommended along the coast and in the Lowcountry

South Carolina Home Insurance Facts

South Carolina's Grand Strand and Low Country are highly vulnerable to hurricane damage
Hurricane Matthew (2016) and Dorian (2019) caused major flooding and wind damage in the Pee Dee region
The SC Wind and Hail Association provides coastal wind coverage when private carriers exit the market

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How to Get Cheaper Home Insurance in South Carolina

1

Bundle home + auto insurance

Multi-policy discounts average 15–25% at most major insurers — the single easiest saving.

2

Raise your deductible

Going from $500 to $1,000 or $2,500 deductible typically saves 10–20% on annual premiums.

3

Install security & safety devices

Smoke detectors, burglar alarms, and deadbolts can reduce premiums by 5–15%.

4

Upgrade your roof

Impact-resistant roofing (Class 4) can save $300–$1,500/year in storm-prone states like Kansas and Texas.

5

Compare quotes annually

Home insurance rates vary by 40–60% between companies. Shopping at renewal every year locks in the best rate.

6

Review your coverage limits

Over-insuring your land (which can't burn down) or under-insuring your possessions are both costly mistakes. Get a home inventory done.

Home Insurance in South Carolina — FAQs

What is the average cost of home insurance in South Carolina?
The average home insurance cost in South Carolina is $175 per month ($2100 per year) for a standard HO-3 policy on a $300,000 home. Your actual rate depends on your home's age, construction type, location, and claims history.
Is home insurance required in South Carolina?
South Carolina does not legally require home insurance. However, virtually all mortgage lenders require you to carry homeowners insurance as a condition of your loan — typically at least enough to cover the home's rebuild cost.
What does home insurance cover in South Carolina?
A standard HO-3 policy in South Carolina covers your dwelling (structure), personal property, liability, and additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable. It typically excludes flood and earthquake damage — separate policies are available for these risks.
What natural disasters affect home insurance in South Carolina?
South Carolina faces the following natural disaster risks: High — hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding. Standard HO-3 policies cover wind and fire damage but exclude floods. Earthquake coverage requires a separate policy or rider.
How can I lower my home insurance in South Carolina?
The most effective ways to lower home insurance in South Carolina include: (1) bundling home and auto insurance for 15–25% savings, (2) raising your deductible, (3) installing security systems and smoke detectors, (4) upgrading your roof to impact-resistant materials, and (5) shopping quotes from at least 3 insurers annually.

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